5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari

This 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari takes you on an amazing adventure in Volcanoes National Park known for its population of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Your 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari adventure will include thrilling treks through lush, dense forests to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

In addition to these unforgettable wildlife experiences, you will have the opportunity to challenge yourself with a hike up Mount Bisoke. This is a dormant volcano offering breathtaking views and a serene crater lake at the summit.

You’ll also explore the scenic twin lakes, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo which provide a serene and scenic contrast to the forested mountain landscapes. Below is a detailed itinerary of this 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari. Remember, all our trips are fully customizable to meet your unique preferences.

5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes NP
• Day 4: Hiking Mount Bisoke (3.711 m)
• Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure

Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver/guide Depending on your time of arrival, your driver/guide will take you on a Kigali city tour which includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre that gives you a glimpse into Rwanda’s history.

Later, you will be driven to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park where you will have dinner and an overnight stay. The scenic journey takes approximately two hours, and upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and rest for the exciting days ahead.

• Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This day promises to be one of the most memorable of your trip. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. In small groups, you will set off into the dense forest with experienced guides to track a gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, with steep and muddy paths, but the reward is well worth the effort. Upon finding the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watch as they play, feed, and interact as you gain insight into their daily lives. After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge for lunch and then go on an excursion to explore the beautiful twin lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo).

• Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes NP

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will head out to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a golden monkey trekking experience. The trek will take you through lush forests and scenic landscapes as your experienced guides share their knowledge about the golden monkeys and the park’s diverse ecosystem. Upon finding the golden monkeys, you will have the opportunity to spend an hour observing them. Unlike the gorillas, golden monkeys are playful and quick, often engaging in hide-and-seek games so you might have to follow them around.

Once your trek is complete, you will return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and lunch.

• Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Hiking Mount Bisoke (3.711 m)

Following breakfast, you will gather at the park offices for a briefing before your hike up Mount Bisoke. Standing at 3,711 meters, this dormant volcano is part of the Virunga range. The hike is physically demanding, taking between 5 to 7 hours depending on the group’s pace, but the reward is breathtaking views from the summit and the crater lake. After the hike, you will return to your lodge to rest.

• Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure

After breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali where you will go on a city tour.  During the city tour, you will learn about the history, culture, and people of Rwanda.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

• Accommodation: None (last day)
• Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari

5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Transport in a 4WD vehicle with a pop-up roof.
• All fuel for the tour
• English-speaking driver/guide.
• Accommodation and Meals on Full Board (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)
• Park-entrance fees for all National parks
• All activities described in the itinerary
• 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person.
• 1 Golden monkey tracking permit per person.
• Drinking water throughout the safari.

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Entry visa to Rwanda
• Meals that are not part of your accommodation.
• A porter. Helps to carry your backpack & push/pull you on the slippery slopes.
• Personal (medical/travel) insurance
• Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc.
• All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities.)